1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 2012 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2012 Ford Mondeo is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 2,261 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2012 Ford Mondeo. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 505 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
Because 1974 Lotus Eclat is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 Lotus Eclat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mondeo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Ford Mondeo (208 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Eclat. 2012 Ford Mondeo has automatic transmission and 1974 Lotus Eclat has manual transmission. 1974 Lotus Eclat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Mondeo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Eclat | 2012 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Eclat | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 208 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |
